The Importance of Accuracy in Spanish to English Translations for USCIS Applications
At Certified Translation Dallas, we understand The Importance of Accuracy in Spanish to English Translations for USCIS Applications.
If you’re a foreigner seeking to pursue education, work, or residency in the US, accuracy in translations for USCIS applications is vital to secure approval.
For Spanish applicants, the translation of documents into the English language can be a challenge. One reason is the diversity of the Spanish language.
The Spanish language has several dialects, so non-fluent or non-native translators may not accurately deliver the intended meaning of a word or phrase. It’s essential to understand that even slight translation errors may risk the disapproval of your application.
Therefore, choosing the right translation service with a 100% acceptance rate from the USCIS will increase your chances of success.
Learn the necessary details about USCIS application documents, translation requirements, and how to avoid serious consequences.
Why Is Accurate Translation of Immigration Documents Important?
Accurate Spanish-to-English translations of immigration documents are essential in guiding USCIS officers in assessing a person’s eligibility for immigration rights. It’s also one method of checking the authenticity of your documents.
Submitting complete and accurately translated documents is important to avoid delays and rejection in the immigration process. In fact, the translation of USCIS immigration documents is mandated by law.
The Consequence of Submitting Inaccurate Document Translations for USCIS Application
After assessment of documents and finding inconsistencies or issues like wrong document translations and lack of certification, USCIS may send an RFE document to applicants.
At the same time, USCIS sends out an RFE if they find the translator’s certification unacceptable.
RFE, or Request for Evidence, is a USCIS notice requesting the applicant to send additional documents or information to support their USCIS application.
The issuance of an RFE may be inconvenient and cause delays, but this gives the USCIS personnel more time to review your application. The document contains the following information:
- A statement that the USCIS needs additional evidence to process your application
- Law provision relating to eligibility requirements
- Details about the documentation or requirements you submitted, including the dates
- List of additional documentation or evidence you must submit to push the application process through
- The timeframe for response is up to 84 days and strictly with no extensions
Note that the USCIS may reject your application even without prior notice or issuance of an RFE.
What Is a Certified Translation?
Under the provision of Title 8, Section 1003.33 of the Code of Federal Regulations, an English translation must accompany any immigration document written in a foreign language. On top of that, a certification detailing the translator’s eligibility is required.
In short, a certified translation is a sworn statement detailing a translator’s competency in translating a document from its original language to English.
Note that a certification serves as an assurance of the accuracy and reliability of the translation. Therefore, a translator proficient in Spanish and English should translate the document.
Meanwhile, the certification must be signed by the translator, stating their eligibility and competence to translate the document/s.
Additionally, the certification must include a guarantee statement that the document is true and accurate to the best of the translator’s abilities. Here are other details that should be included in the certification:
- Name of the document
- Translator’s full name and signature
- Translator’s address
- Date the letter was written
What Application Documents Need Translation?
Applying for a US immigration status requires submitting various documents to prove your identity or support eligibility.
That said, immigration documents or requirements written in a foreign language must be translated into English—not to mention these translations must be certified for validity.
The translated counterparts of immigration documents must be submitted alongside the original ones together with their respective photocopies.
One of the most common documents that usually requires translation, especially for Spanish applicants, is the birth certificate. Apart from that, translation may be required for some USCIS requirements like the following:
- Police records
- Marriage or divorce certificate
- Diploma
- Bank-issued statements
Do I Need Certified Translators?
No. A translator doesn’t need any certifications or accreditations from recognized bodies like American Translators Association to qualify.
According to USCIS’ guidelines, anyone who’s proficient and competent in both the English language and the originating language can translate immigration documents.
However, it’s at the USCIS officer’s discretion that a translated document may be considered accurate or accepted.
Can I Translate My Documents?
While there’s no rule stating that you can’t translate your documents by yourself, this can raise issues or concerns that can affect the progress of your application.
The USCIS officer reviewing your application may consider your translated documents as biased.
Can I Use AI Programs or Google Translate to Translate My Immigration Documents?
No, because they produce inaccurate results and don’t meet the USCIS certification guidelines.
Moreover, the Spanish language has a high level of internal diversity. That way, online translating tools like Google Translate or AI translators aren’t sufficient in translating complex terms or phrases, especially legal terminology.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Translation Services
Choosing the right translation service helps immigration applicants avoid common errors in opting for mediocre translation services.
It allows cost savings and helps save you time, too, since accurate translations mean less likelihood for RFE issuance and application rejection.
Aside from opting for translation experts with both the Spanish and English language, here are additional competencies to look for in translators or translation companies:
1. ATA-Certified Translators or Equivalent Credentials
While professional certifications aren’t required, a certification from professional organizations like the American Translators Association ensures that a translator is competent and reliable.
ATA-certified translators have undergone extensive exams to assess their level of comprehension and ability to write accurately in both Spanish and English language.
Similar credentials include the United Nations Translation Accreditation or Certified Translation Professional.
2. 100% USCIS Acceptance Rate
It’ll be beneficial to go for companies or translators with a reputation of a 100% USCIS acceptance rate so you can be confident that the translated documents pass the USCIS standards.
3. Knowledge of Legal Terminology
Some documents can contain legal terms that may be foreign to general translators. Therefore, translators with relevant experience in legal documents can accurately translate legal information without risks of potential discrepancies.
4. Turnaround Time
Time is an essential factor to consider when submitting your immigration applications since USCIS is strict with deadlines.
Reputable translation service providers help ensure you make document submissions on time, without risking delays or rejections due to inaccurate translations.
Some translation services offer translation deliveries as fast as 12 hours.
Conclusion
Opting for professional translation services is essential to ensure translation accuracy for non-English documents. It’s also essential to avoid severe consequences of inaccurate translations like RFE issuance or, worse, application rejection.
Aside from proficiency in both Spanish and English, considering accreditations, acceptance rates, and experience with legal documents is essential when choosing translation services.